If you're looking to improve your stand-up comedy skills or simply understand the craft better, here are some highly recommended books that cover various aspects of comedy writing, performance, and the industry.

"The Comedy Bible" by Judy Carter - A comprehensive guide that covers everything from writing jokes to performing on stage.
"Born Standing Up" by Steve Martin - A memoir that provides insight into Martin's journey as a stand-up comedian and his unique perspective on the art form.
"Comedy Writing for Late-Night TV" by Joe Toplyn - Focuses on writing comedy for television, but the principles can be applied to stand-up as well.
"The New Comedy Writing Step by Step" by Gene Perret - A practical guide that breaks down the process of writing comedy into manageable steps.
"Sick in the Head" by Judd Apatow - A collection of interviews with some of the biggest names in comedy, offering insights into their creative processes.

Pro tip: Reading these books can provide valuable insights, but nothing beats getting on stage and practicing your material!